Cigar Sense launches service to match consumer tastes with cigars

Cigar Sense Inc., a group we have discussed on past episodes of Half Ashed, has launched a service to aid consumers in finding new cigars that suit their unique tastes, and hopes to eliminate some of the guesswork that comes with choosing new cigars. The service acts in an advisory role, and offers personalized advice about which cigars best suit one’s taste preferences.

“It all began when I re-located to California in 2013. I was suddenly confronted with two problems” Cigar Sense founder Franca Comparetto explains “I could not legally buy the Cuban cigars I was accustomed to smoking in Italy, and instead was overwhelmed by the thousands of non-Cuban cigars available in the New World.”

The Cigar Sense aromas wheel is based on the most commonly used descriptors by the company’s panel when testing cigars

This led to the Cigar Sense concept. Knowing that not all cigar smokers are dedicated to a specific brand or line, she aims to provide help to both novices and aficionados in search of expanding their horizons. The goal is to reduce trial-and-error while simultaneously organizing a smoker’s preferences and tendencies in choosing a favorite cigar.

“Cigar Sense is a unique service that has helped me further grow as a cigar smoker. I’ve discovered what flavors and characters appeal most to me, and the selections have exposed me to cigars I would not normally try.” says early adopter and longtime aficionado Art Schlussel.

The company has built a methodology around a database of blind tasting protocols from its international panel of cigar experts.

“Independence is one of our key pillars. Cigar Sense does not sell cigars, ads, nor our members’ personal information” states co-founder David Wells, who adds “In the process, we believe we can help all segments of the industry, since happier consumers will inevitably buy more cigars. Rather than competing with retailers by selling cigars, we want to partner with them.“

About the Company:

Cigar Sense Inc. is a Silicon Valley based, lean agile start up focused on maximizing the premium cigar lovers experience. Established in 2014, the company offers personalized expert advice on which cigars best suit a consumer’s unique tastes.

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A cigar enthusiast since 1994, I strayed into deeper involvement with the tobacco industry just before founding The Cigarmy blog in 2011. This preoccupation grew once more when I co-founded Half Ashed with Craig Schneider in February 2013. With the consolidation of The Cigarmy and Half Ashed in late 2014, you can now read my cigar reviews, news and editorial commentary here - and catch me live on every episode of the Half Ashed Cigar Podcast.